Page 13 of Rage Finish

She turns and heads for the door, but I stop her. “Don’t forget your key.”

Pressing her palm to her forehead, the sleeves cover half of her hand. “I really am a fucking idiot.”

“Not at all,” I assure her. “Try not to take too long. The workshop starts in a few hours, and you still need to get something to eat.”

“Shit,” she hisses.

“What?”

“I got lucky when the hotel gave me a voucher, but I’ll have to figure out breakfast.”

I close the distance and reach to tuck a rogue tendril of hair behind her ear, telling her softly, “If you don’t have access to your room by the time you’re dressed, I’ll take you to breakfast.”

“Oh, no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. You’ve already done enough⁠—”

“I insist. Go pick out something that will make you feel beautiful and confident, and I’ll be here when you get back.”

“Okay,” she concedes, and I open the door for her to leave.

About thirty minutes later, as I’m packing my laptop bag, the hotel phone rings. I confirm the charges Sloane is making and can’t help wondering what she purchased. I’m twisted up about everything and decide to call Ethan for advice.

“How was last night?” he smugly answers on the second ring.

“It was fine. But if I admit something to you, will you promise not to say anything to anyone?”

“I can’t do that—Melanie and I don’t have any secrets. However, I can assure you that no one else will know.”

“Fair enough,” I sigh. “I almost kissed Sloane.”

“You what?”

“Yeah, I know. It happened this morning.”

“I don’t understand. She seems a little…”

“Out of my league?”

“No,” he laughs. “I was going to say prickly.”

“Well, she’s not.”

“Hey, no need to be defensive. I’m just pointing out that you’re one of the most fun and easygoing people I know, and she has a reputation for being neither. I never could’ve predicted you’d be interested in someone like her. So, if you only almost kissed her, I suppose it’s safe to say you didn’t sleep with her?”

“Of course not. We only have three days here, then we’re back in LA. If something happened between us, she could write it off as a hookup. I’m too old for that shit. You know I want to build something more meaningful. Besides, I don’t think she’s into me. I’m likely already friend-zoned.”

“Well, ask her out. A little chaos never hurt anyone, Wyatt. If it’s meant to be, it’ll be.”

There’s a knock at the door, so I tell Ethan, “Someone’s here. I’ll see you later.”

“Still on for dinner?”

I’m still holding out hope that Sloane will at least have a drink with me and reply, “Maybe.”

We hang up, and I check the peephole. It’s Sloane, nervously chewing on her bottom lip and checking to the left and right of her. I open the door, and she blurts, “I have access to my room now.”

Though I’m disappointed that I can’t invite her to stay with me a second night, I paint on a smile. “Oh, well, that’s great news.”

“Here is your key. Also, you can return the other clothes that were purchased. Or I can, if it’s easier.”